5 Abus killed, 1 nabbed in Sulu clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Five suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed and another was arrested in a military offensive on an island in Sulu yesterday.

Marine soldiers launched the operation at around 8 a.m. after receiving intelligence reports that the bandits were hiding in Sitio Talok Talok on Capual island, said Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson for the Western Mindanao Command.

The fatalities, who have yet to be identified, were turned over to village officials for disposition.

Naval forces put up a blockade in the waters off Capual Island to intercept the fleeing bandits. 

Petinglay said the soldiers recovered eight rifles from the gunmen, who were led by Alhabsy Misaya.

Petinglay said the military intensified its operations against Abu Sayyaf bandits to rescue the remaining hostages.

The Abu Sayyaf is still holding seven Indonesians, five Malaysians, six Vietnamese, a Dutch, a German, a Korean and six Filipinos. 

Last week, five  Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed and seven others were wounded in an encounter with Army Scout Rangers also in Sulu. Two soldiers were wounded in the clash.